Thank you for your interest in EcuadorKitesurf! This is your informative guide to the Santa Marianita Spot, our school, available accommodations, entertainment and pricing.

THE SET UP
Ideal, safe learning conditions combined with the latest equipment, a long beach, warm water and constant winds makes learning and progression faster. Santa Marianita is a four kilometre long beach. As you come down the coastal road, the main kiting spot is just off to the right. Other than an occasional shore-break, there's just a huge, safe riding area to take advantage of. Pacific tides are minimal for most of the year, meaning all levels of rider can enjoy this spot. You can even do a 14 kilometre downwinder with our Team to arrive at Manta main beach; a great way to see the Ecuadorian fishing villages.

THE WIND, WEATHER AND WATER:
Santa Marianita has a micro-climate with a thermal wind created from the cold Humbolt current and the dry, hot, arid environment of Manta. Sites like Windguru can give inaccurate readings therefore. Ecuador Kitesurf are installing a wind meter this season, though. Thermal winds kick-in around 10am and die down just before sunset at 5pm. The main wind season is mid-May to mid-January. May to mid-September produce steady 14 - 22 cross-onshore winds almost every day, blowing over mainly flat and choppy waters with an average water temperature of 24°C/75°F. The air temp sits at 25-30°C/77-86°F and

Closest Airport : MEC
Best Wind: April-December (12-20 knots)
Average Kite Size: 11 m
Wind Direction: Cross-Onshore
Cost Factor: Low
Local Shop: EcuadorKitesurf 
Wind and surf forecast: Internet inaccurate, local only, join us on Facebook!
Ability Level: ALL!
Nightlife: Quiet

Mid-September to the end of October see 12 - 20 knot cross-shore winds. Winds maybe just a little less frequent, but the water is still lovely at 20°C / 68°F and the air sits pretty at 24°C/75°F. It can be overcast at times and is chillier at night. The big swells come in with the full moon from November to January when the wind backs more cross-onshore and the air gets warmer; 25-30°C / 77-86°F.

​

GETTING THERE

Santa Marianita is located about 15 minutes south of Manta, by “la Ruta del Sol”. To get there, fly into Ecuador's capital city, Quito (UIO). Catch a 30 minute connecting flight for about US$80 or take an eight hour bus ride to Manta for US$15. Santa Marianita is just 15 minutes away via a $10 taxi. Also, local trucks pass Santa Marianita every 30 minutes and will drop you in the city for $1. In Manta tourists can rarely be targets for petty crime, but Santa Marianita is mainly a kiter zone with a safe and relaxed atmosphere and a few local restaurants. Alternatively, you coud fly into Guayaquil, and catch a bus ride to Manta for about US$10, or take a private taxi for about US$80. It´s a 3 hour car ride from Guayaquil. We can provide airport and bus station transfer upon request from Manta or Guayaquil Stations. All the mayor car rental companies are located at international airports of Guayaquil and Quito, although it´s not really necessary because of the low taxi ride costs..